The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-10-19
GLADSTONES GREAT FIGHT.
HE REVIEWS THE STRUGGLE AMID THE
PLAUDITS OF MILLIONS.

PLAUDITS OF MiLLIONS
Tremendous Crowds Limo His Way to Not
tisssnna, .nd Make the Journey . Tr'-
unphai March-The Ola Hero Delighted
by tho Grand Ovations--fe Dissects the
Teries and their Irish Policy In n speech.
Copyright 1881 ov Tax sur Printing and Pabltshtns
<ssociat,on
NOTTINGHAM, England, Oct. 1s.-William
Ewart Gladstone. the grandest OF oil old men
and tho leader OF the Irish movement. began
to-day In earnest the fight which millions OF
Americans will watch with eagerness. and for
the success Of which every good American will
earnestly hope. Coercion and Toryism In gem
eral, and Salisbury Balfour Goschen. and
Mugwump Unionists in particular. are the en-
emies whom the Grand Old Man wants to
bring into camp. and his journey to-day lets
us hope no will have gathered them all In bo-
fore he rests from his labors.
He had spent the night at Sir Edward Wat
kins's place at Northenden. Sir Edward has
been hitherto confirmed Unionist and Glad
: stone hater. He is. hguratively speaking
Gladstones first bird. His change Of heart
was perfect. and to prove It he used his power
as great railroad magnate, and had special
train ready to take the grand old guest to Not
tnRham,
But the people were looking out for Glad
stone, and before he was through breakfast
two big Populations were on hand to cheer
themselves hoarse for him and to read resolu-
lions under the very nose Of Sir Edward de-
clarinR Liberal Unionism and the Unionists
misleading humbugs. Gladstone used his
marvellous power. and In five minutes had
persuaded the populations that they were
models for the rest Of the world to pattern
after, and would root up Toryism completely
II they only kept together.
When tho special train got of with the Grand
Old Man he left two Populations on the station
platform stepped forever In Gladstonianism.
bowling, cheering In perfect frenzy Of polit-
cal exultation. At every little station there
was crowd patiently waiting for glimpse Of
the big man as he went whizzing by. and there
was always tho biggest cheer that the crowd
could raise to express what they would have
said II they had had an opportunity. It was a
great day and proud one for the Grand Old
Man. He loves his popularity dearly, although
no did not hesitate to sacrifice It temporarily
for the sake Of homo rule, and every burst Of
cheers from tho crowded stations made his
eye brighter and his face younger.
The height Of grandness to which the old
man rose before the journeys end cannot
properly be told In ordinary language. At
shefield the crowd was enormous Men with
the Crime OF factories on them and women who
had brought even their babies tc enjoy the
sight OF the popular hero struggled for stand
Ing room ON the platform and all along
the rails. Not to have stopped would
have been cruelty; 80 the train Stacked
up. and tho upper half Of Mr.. Glad
stone and his heavy fur-lined cloak
came out OF the window. He could only say Q
few Words for the cheering which the crowd
felt bound to do took up nearly all the avail
able time; but the words were Just the ones
uaooad and vvhap tho Crard Old Man droyu
himself back into the car there was such fren-
zied shouttne and waving OF things that
), women, ruther than not wave anything. waved
the babies In their arms, although such
handling is bad for babies.
When the time came for the train to go It was
impossible to start 1t for fear Of killing some
one. Men and women fought to get near Mr..
Gladstone's carriage, and chung to the train
Like swarmine bees, cheering and cheering
until all wonder at their enthusiasm was
merged into astonishment at the power Of their
lungs. At last, in sheer desperation. the en-
gineer started his train very slowly and got
away. but 1t was not until the train was we'll
out OF the station. that the last Sheffield enthu-
siast had thrust his hand into the carriage to
shake that Of the old man who had so stirred
them UP.
As the triumphal journey progressed the
grand old leaders spirits rose steadily. and
the train stopped more and more frequently.
He had something special to say to every
crowd. and every crowd had the same delight
ed shouting and excitement for him. There
was perfectly gorgeous celebration at New
ark. where the Grand Old Man was first elect
ed member Of the House ffty-fve years ago.
There was a little group Of old men who had
voted for him at that date. away back in tho
carly part OF the century. They were very
proud Of the fact, and prouder still
when tho big man whom they had helped
start ON his career. shook hands with every
one and talked Of old times. Men who were
not even babies In those days were told in
businesslike terms OF the duty which they had
to perform. Nothing but the Grand Old Mans
face was needed to tell how happy he was. and
his happiness broke out into a dozen smiles
when. just as he at last rolled away, an. old
woman Of powerful Imagination assured him
that his face nesting in the big fur collar was
as sweet as baby's.
fast run OF twenty miles brought the grand
old pilgrim to the end Of his journey and the
climax Of his triumph. Here In Nottingham.
OF It's 100000 inhabitants all but sour Tories
and invalids were out jubilating. A bunch OF
Tories tried to organize a disturbance and
made themselves discordant. They were
sQuelched with suddenness that made their
sourness more pronounced. 1t was a splendid
crown IOr Rrdnu reception. Nearly every one
works at lace or hosiery making. and cleanli-
ness Of work encourages great neatness among
the women. who are perhaps the best-dressed
body Of working women in England. The
Grand Old Man was driven through cheering
crowds all the way to the big hall. packed with
1000 delegates OF the National Liberal Confed-
Grafton who were waiting for him. and who
rose when he appeared and with all their
power OF lung joined a big band In pouring out:
see, tho conquering hero comesW
When 1t was through. the Grand Old Man be-
gan q careful dissection Of the Liberal Union
lists and Tories which lasted an hour and
three-quarters and left of his and Ireiand's
enemies not anything to speak OF. 1t was
speech In the old mans best style. solemn and
impressive. every point put with admirable
force and every one telling with encouraging
effect upon the audience.
Tomorrow he speaks to the public in the
rink, and although the building holds 900.
anxiety is felt on account OF the rush which is
iuht Mr. Gladstone 10 al